Press ReleaseJuly 30, 2020
Spectrum Networks Launches News App to Bring Award-Winning Local News to All 28 Million Spectrum Residential Customers at No Additional Charge
Innovative App Delivers the Best Local News, Weather, and State and Local Political Content Along with Live Streams of its Television Networks
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STAMFORD, Conn. – Spectrum Networks today announced the launch of the Spectrum News App, an innovative local news app that combines reporting from existing newsrooms and weather teams, original content produced by a growing team of dedicated digital journalists, and curated content from partner news organizations. The app also showcases the linear feeds of all Spectrum News networks, giving customers the ability to read, watch or listen anytime, anywhere, based on their geographic preferences. The Spectrum News App is free to anyone for the first 30 days, and after the trial period, will be available to all authenticated Spectrum residential video, internet and mobile customers at no additional charge.
“Internet and mobile customers are the fastest growing segments of Spectrum’s customer base, and our viewers are consuming news online more now than ever before,” said Mike Bair, Executive Vice President, Spectrum Networks. “The Spectrum News App is the first content product available to all 28 million residential Spectrum customers, adding significant value to our existing local services, but particularly our internet-only customers who could not previously access our news reporting.”
Localized coverage also features a variety of original content produced specifically for the app. Consistent with Spectrum Networks’ approach to investing in more ‘boots on the ground’ local reporting, dozens of digital journalists have been hired in nearly every local news community and teams were reimagined to meet the changing demands of news gathering and reporting in a digital world. The Spectrum News App is a one-stop shop for local news, general-interest stories, state and local political content, and comprehensive weather reports.
To provide the most compelling local content for customers, Spectrum Networks has partnered with news outlets in local communities to further expand a diverse mix of voices that complements Spectrum News’ coverage. In addition to Spectrum’s original hyperlocal reporting, the app features curated local news content from nearly three dozen news outlets, ranging from major daily newspapers to community digital news outlets, niche publications, nonprofit media and radio stations across the country. Local partners include news organizations such as The CITY, a nonprofit, non-partisan digital news outlet dedicated to accountability reporting across a wide range of topics including justice, environment and climate, public safety, and work in New York; WisPolitics.com, a statewide digital news outlet focused on politics and governmental news; and digital reporting from WMFE-FM in Florida, metro Orlando’s flagship NPR affiliate.
“We know that local journalism is vital to the communities we serve,” continued Bair. “From political coverage of press briefings, local debates and elections, to public affairs programming and community news that is relevant to local residents, our networks serve as a valuable resource, especially during times of crisis. During the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Spectrum News’ Nielsen ratings reached all-time highs in April, and viewers continue to depend on our around-the-clock news that keeps them safe, informed and connected.”
Spectrum News’ multimedia journalists are deeply-rooted in the communities they serve and are well positioned to report on the local issues that impact communities. With the changing demands of reporting in an increasingly digital world, Spectrum’s digital and linear teams will work collaboratively to continue providing a best-in-class experience for customers. Spectrum News has local news channels that span across the country with networks in Texas, Kentucky, Florida, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and California.
The Spectrum News App is available on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
About Spectrum Networks
Spectrum Networks is a series of 24/7 news and sports networks owned and operated by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband communications company and the second largest cable operator in the United States. Spectrum Networks carry distinct, comprehensive, and exclusive local programming on over 30 networks across Spectrum’s footprint. More information on Spectrum Networks is available at spectrumlocalnews.com.
Media Contact
Stacey Mitch
310-531-1570